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Brianne Nadeau. (Photo courtesy of Brianne for DC)

Former ANC-1B Commissioner and vice-chairperson of the Ward One Democrat,Â Brianne Nadeau, announced her candidacy for the Ward 1 DC Council seat on Wednesday. Nadeau will challenge Jim Graham, the ward’s incumbent in the 2014 Democratic Primary if he runs again. Graham is currently serving his fourth term on the council â€” and has not yet announced his plans.Â Most of the U Street corridor is in Ward 1.

Nadeau says she will focus her campaign on ending pay-to-play politics in the District, while creating jobs, improving the quality of education and increasing public safety.

â€śI have a record of fighting for Ward 1 residents, helping them get the services they need and making sure their problems are being addressed by our government,â€ť said Nadeau in a press release. â€śI am running for council to address important issues that impact the lives of residents day-to-day. We cannot just solve problems on a case-by-case basis, we also need a long-term plan for solving the underlying issues and creating a stronger District.â€ť

Since Nadeau’s time on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), 2007 to 2011, the 32-year-old public relations consultant atÂ Rabinowitz/Dorf Communications has worked on establishing various community initiatives, such as the U Street Movie Series andÂ Sustainable U, a project that aims to improve local sustainability efforts and resolve quality of life issues.

If elected, Nadeau hopes to build on these efforts and work with the community members and leaders to strengthen the area.

â€śWard 1 is the most diverse ward in the city, and Brianne understands how important it is to bring people together,â€ť says Tania B. Jackson, DC Democratic State Committee member at-large and chairperson of Nadeauâ€™s campaign. â€śUnder her leadership, we will see the type of collaboration across the ward that will allow us to make real progress in improving our schools, transportation options, human services and the development of our commercial districts.â€ť

Map of Ward One. (DC Government)

Current Ward 1 Councilmember Graham has recently been questioned in the media for unethical behavior in relation to a development deal during his time spent on theÂ Metro Board of Directors.

Graham toldThe Washington Post, â€śNo one has ever suggested I broke any law, or had any illegal financial interest or conflict of interest. The only conflict of interest ever raised is between my role as a council member and as a Metro board memberâ€¦ I have no ethical issues.â€ť